U.S. patent number 10,089,844 [Application Number 15/178,472] was granted by the patent office on 2018-10-02 for camera with wireless power transmitter.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Avigilon Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Avigilon Corporation. Invention is credited to Yanyan Hu, Pietro Russo, Mahesh Saptharishi.
United States Patent |
10,089,844 |
Hu , et al. |
October 2, 2018 |
Camera with wireless power transmitter
Abstract
A camera device includes a camera module that captures a scene
corresponding to a field of view of the camera module. A wireless
power transmitter of the camera devices transmits wireless power to
a battery-powered external sensing device. A transceiver is further
operable for receiving from the external sensing device sensed
data. A network module transmits the image and sensed data to an
external networked device. A power supply receives power over a
wired connection and supplies power to the camera module,
transceiver, networking module and wireless transmitter. The
external sensing device may be an access control device that
includes a sensor for sensing the presence of a machine readable
toke and reading an identifier of the physical token. The access
control device further includes a lock controller for selectively
locking and unlocking a physical lock.
Inventors: |
Hu; Yanyan (Woburn, MA),
Russo; Pietro (Natick, MA), Saptharishi; Mahesh
(Sudbury, MA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Avigilon Corporation |
Vancouver |
N/A |
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Avigilon Corporation
(Vancouver, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
60572965 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/178,472 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170358185 A1 |
Dec 14, 2017 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C
9/257 (20200101); H02J 7/00045 (20200101); H04N
7/183 (20130101); H04N 5/23206 (20130101); H02J
50/12 (20160201); H02J 7/025 (20130101); G08B
13/19656 (20130101); H04N 5/23241 (20130101); H04N
5/232411 (20180801); G08B 13/1966 (20130101); H04W
4/80 (20180201); H02J 50/20 (20160201); H02J
50/30 (20160201) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
13/196 (20060101); G07C 9/00 (20060101); H02J
50/12 (20160101); H04W 4/80 (20180101); H04N
5/232 (20060101); H04N 7/18 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Teitelbaum; Michael E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hammond; Daniel
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A combined video surveillance and access control system
comprising: an access control device comprising: a lock controller
for selectively controlling actuation of a physical lock between a
locked state and an unlocked state; a sensor operable for sensing
an occurrence of a presence of a machine readable physical token
and for reading an identifier of the physical token; a transceiver
for wirelessly transmitting access data generated based on the
presence of the physical token and the identifier read by the
sensor; at least one battery for supplying power to the lock
controller, the sensor and the transceiver; and a wireless power
receiver operable for receiving wirelessly transmitted power and to
charge the at least one battery using the received power; and a
camera device comprising: at least one camera module operable for
capturing a scene corresponding to a field of view of the camera
and for generating image data of the captured scene; a transceiver
operable for receiving the access data transmitted from the
battery-powered physical access control device; a networking module
operable for transmitting the image data and access data to an
external networked device; a wireless power transmitter operable
for transmitting power wirelessly to the wireless power receiver of
the access control device; and at least one power supply operable
for receiving power over a wired connection and supplying power to
the camera, the transceiver, the network module and the wireless
power transmitter.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the access control device further
comprises a lock actuator being controlled by the lock controller,
said actuator being powered by the at least one battery and being
operable for selectively actuating the physical lock between the
locked state and the unlocked state.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the networking module transmits
the image data and the access data to the external networked device
over the wired connection.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the external networked device
comprises an access control management system and wherein the
access control device is in communication with the control
management system only via the camera device.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the access control device is free
of a wired network connection with another network device.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein image data generated at a given
time is logically associated to the access data generated at the
same time by the access control device when transmitting the image
data and the access data to the external networked device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera device further
comprises a video analytics module operable for performing video
analytics on the image data and determining an occurrence of a
video analytics event based on a combination of one or more results
of the performed video analytics and access data received from the
access control device.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the transceiver of the camera
device is further operable for receiving information pertaining to
a battery status of the at least one battery of the access control
device; and wherein the wireless power transmitter is operable for
adjusting the transmission of wireless power to the access control
device based on the received information pertaining to the battery
status.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein an effective powered space of the
wireless power transmitter of the camera device substantially
overlaps with the field of view of the camera module.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the camera module is pivotable
and wherein the wireless power transmitter pivots with the camera
module to maintain overlap of the power coverage cone with the
field of view.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein an asset to which access is
being controlled by the access control device is viewable within
the field of view of the camera module.
12. A camera device comprising: at least one camera module operable
for capturing a scene corresponding to a field of view of the
camera module and for generating image data of the captured scene;
at least one wireless power transmitter operable for transmitting
wireless power to a battery-powered external sensing device; a
transceiver operable for receiving from the external sensing device
sensed data pertaining to at least one condition sensed by the
external sensing device; a networking module operable for
transmitting the image data and data pertaining to the at least one
sensed condition to an external networked device; and at least one
power supply operable for receiving power over a wired connection
and supplying power to the camera module, the transceiver, the
networking module and the wireless power transmitter, wherein an
effective powered space of the wireless power transmitter of the
camera device substantially overlaps with the field of view of the
camera module.
13. The camera device of claim 12, wherein the networking module
transmits the data to the external networked device over the wired
connection.
14. The camera device of claim 12, wherein the image data generated
at a given time is logically associated to sensed data generated at
the same time by the external sensing device when transmitting the
image data and sensed data to the external networked device.
15. The camera device of claim 12, further comprising a video
analytics module operable for performing video analytics on the
image data and determining an occurrence of a video analytics event
based on a combination of one or more results of the performed
video analytics and the sensed data.
16. The camera device of claim 12, wherein the transceiver is
further operable for receiving information pertaining to a battery
status of the external sensing device and wherein the wireless
power transmitter is operable for adjusting the transmission of
wireless power to the external sensing device based on the received
information pertaining to the battery status.
17. The camera device of claim 12, wherein the camera module is
pivotable and wherein the wireless power transmitter pivots with
the camera module to maintain overlap of the power coverage cone
with the field of view.
18. A camera device comprising: at least one camera module operable
for capturing a scene corresponding to a field of view of the
camera module and for generating image data of the captured scene;
at least one wireless power transmitter operable for transmitting
wireless power to a battery-powered external sensing device; a
transceiver operable for receiving from the external sensing device
sensed data pertaining to at least one condition sensed by the
external sensing device; a networking module operable for
transmitting the image data and data pertaining to the at least one
sensed condition to an external networked device; at least one
power supply operable for receiving power over a wired connection
and supplying power to the camera module, the transceiver, the
networking module and the wireless power transmitter, wherein the
camera device comprises a plurality of wireless power transmitters,
each transmitter being operable for directionally transmitting
wireless power, wherein at least one of the plurality of wireless
power transmitters is pivotable to change the space occupied by its
power coverage cone.
Description
FIELD
The present subject-matter relates to a camera and a system
integrating the camera, and more particularly to a camera with a
wireless power transmitter for powering an external sensing
device.
BACKGROUND
A camera may be used to acquire information about a place or an
object. The information is visual image data generated by the
camera corresponding to the scene falling within the field of view
of the camera.
A sensing device may be used to acquire other information about a
place or an object. Such information may be conditions sensed by
the sensing device, such as one or more environmental conditions
surrounding the sensing device.
An access control device is a specific type of sensing device that
senses whether an identifying token has been presented to the
access control device and whether that token is authenticated.
In some situations, the camera and/or the sensing device may be
connected to a data network so that image data and/or sensing data
may be received by other devices connected to the network.
SUMMARY
The embodiments described herein provide in one aspect a combined
video surveillance and access control system comprising an access
control device and a camera device. The access control device
includes a lock controller for selectively controlling actuation of
a physical lock between a locked state and an unlocked state, a
sensor operable for sensing an occurrence of a presence of a
machine readable physical token and for reading an identifier of
the physical token, a transceiver for wirelessly transmitting
access data generated based on the presence of the physical token
and the identifier read by the sensor, at least one battery for
supplying power to the lock controller, the sensor and the
transceiver, and a wireless power receiver operable for receiving
wirelessly transmitted power and to charge the at least one battery
using the received power. The camera device includes at least one
camera module operable for capturing a scene corresponding to a
field of view of the camera and for generating image data of the
captured scene, a transceiver operable for receiving the access
data transmitted from the battery-powered physical access control
device, a networking module operable for transmitting the image
data and access data to an external networked device, a wireless
power transmitter operable for transmitting power wirelessly to the
wireless power receiver of the access control device, and at least
one power supply operable for receiving power over a wired
connection and supplying power to the camera, the transceiver, the
network module and the wireless power transmitter.
The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a camera
device. The camera device includes at least one camera module
operable for capturing a scene corresponding to a field of view of
the camera module and for generating image data of the captured
scene, at least one wireless power transmitter operable for
transmitting wireless power to a battery-powered external sensing
device, a transceiver operable for receiving from the external
sensing device sensed data pertaining to at least one condition
sensed by the external sensing device, a networking module operable
for transmitting the image data and data pertaining to the at least
one sensed condition to an external networked device, and at least
one power supply operable for receiving power over a wired
connection and supplying power to the camera module, the
transceiver, the networking module and the wireless power
transmitter.
According to some example embodiments, the access control device
further comprises a lock actuator being controlled by the lock
controller, said actuator being powered by the at least one battery
and being operable for selectively actuating the physical lock
between the locked state and the unlocked state.
According to some example embodiments, the networking module
transmits the image data and the access data to the external
networked device over the wired connection.
According to some example embodiments, the external networked
device comprises an access control management system and wherein
the access control device is in communication with the control
management system only via the camera device.
According to some example embodiments, the access control device is
free of a wired network connection with another network device.
According to some example embodiments, image data generated at a
given time is logically associated to the access data generated at
the same time by the access control device when transmitting the
image data and the access data to the external networked
device.
According to some example embodiments, the camera device further
comprises a video analytics module operable for performing video
analytics on the image data and determining an occurrence of a
video analytics event based on a combination of one or more results
of the performed video analytics and access data received from the
access control device.
According to some example embodiments, the transceiver of the
camera device is further operable for receiving information
pertaining to a battery status of the at least one battery of the
access control device and the wireless power transmitter is
operable for adjusting the transmission of wireless power to the
access control device based on the received information pertaining
to the battery status.
According to some example embodiments, an effective powered space
of the wireless power transmitter of the camera device
substantially overlaps with the field of view of the camera
module.
According to some example embodiments, the camera module is
pivotable and wherein the wireless power transmitter pivots with
the camera module to maintain overlap of the power coverage cone
with the field of view.
According to some example embodiments, an asset to which access is
being controlled by the access control device is viewable within
the field of view of the camera module.
According to some example embodiments, the camera device comprises
a plurality of wireless power transmitters, with each transmitter
being operable for directionally transmitting wireless power.
According to some example embodiments, at least one of the
plurality of wireless power transmitters is pivotable to change the
space occupied by its power coverage cone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The detailed description refers to the following figures, in
which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a camera device according to
an example embodiment;
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a combined system according
to an example embodiment having an example camera device and an
example sensing device;
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a combined video surveillance
and access control system according to one example embodiment
having an example camera device and an example access control
device;
FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of a camera device according to
an alternative example embodiment;
FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of a schematic diagram of an
example deployment of the alternative camera device according to
one example embodiment;
FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of connected devices of a
combined video surveillance and access control system according to
one example embodiment; and
FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example deployment of
a camera device and access control device.
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.
Furthermore, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may
be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or
analogous elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described
herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill
in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
methods, procedures and components have not been described in
detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein.
Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting
the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather
as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments
described herein.
"Battery" herein refers to not only a device in which chemical
energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power,
it also refers to any alternatively suitable energy storage devices
such as, for example, a capacitor of suitable size and
construction.
"Image data" herein refers to data produced by a camera device and
that represents images captured by the camera device. The image
data may include a plurality of sequential image frames, which
together form a video captured by the camera device. Each image
frame may be represented by a matrix of pixels, each pixel having a
pixel image value. For example, the pixel image value may be a
numerical value on grayscale (ex; 0 to 255) or a plurality of
numerical values for colored images. Examples of color spaces used
to represent pixel image values in image data include RGB, YUV,
CYKM, YCbCr 4:2:2, YCbCr 4:2:0 images. It will be understood that
"image data" as used herein can refer to "raw" image data produced
by the camera device and/or to image data that has undergone some
form of processing. It will be further understood that "image data"
may refer to image data representing captured visible light in some
examples and may refer to image data representing captured depth
information and/or thermal information in other examples.
"Processing image data" or variants thereof herein refers to one or
more computer-implemented functions performed on image data. For
example, processing image data may include, but is not limited to,
image processing operations, analyzing, managing, compressing,
encoding, storing, transmitting and/or playing back the video data.
Analyzing the image data may include segmenting areas of image
frames and detecting objects, tracking and/or classifying objects
located within the captured scene represented by the image data.
The processing of the image data may cause modified image data to
be produced, such as compressed (ex: lowered quality) and/or
re-encoded image data. The processing of the image data may also
cause additional information regarding the image data or objects
captured within the images to be output. For example, such
additional information is commonly understood as metadata. The
metadata may also be used for further processing of the image data,
such as drawing bounding boxes around detected objects in the image
frames.
Referring now to FIG. 1, therein illustrated is a block diagram of
a camera device 10 according to an example embodiment. The camera
device 10 is illustrated according its operational modules. An
operational module of the camera device 10 may be a hardware
component. An operational module may also be implemented in
hardware, software or combination of both.
The camera device 10 includes one or more processors, one or more
memory devices coupled to the processors and one or more network
interfaces. The memory device can include a local memory (e.g. a
random access memory and a cache memory) employed during execution
of program instructions. The processor executes computer program
instructions (e.g., an operating system and/or application
programs), which can be stored in the memory device.
In various embodiments the processor may be implemented by any
processing circuit having one or more circuit units, including a
digital signal processor (DSP), graphics processing unit (GPU)
embedded processor, etc., and any combination thereof operating
independently or in parallel, including possibly operating
redundantly. Such processing circuit may be implemented by one or
more integrated circuits (IC), including being implemented by a
monolithic integrated circuit (MIC), an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA),
etc. or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively,
such processing circuit may be implemented as a programmable logic
controller (PLC), for example. The processor may include circuitry
for storing memory, such as digital data, and may comprise the
memory circuit or be in wired communication with the memory
circuit, for example.
In various example embodiments, the memory device coupled to the
processor circuit is operable to store data and computer program
instructions. Typically, the memory device is all or part of a
digital electronic integrated circuit or formed from a plurality of
digital electronic integrated circuits. The memory device may be
implemented as Read-Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-Only
Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM),
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flash
memory, one or more flash drives, universal serial bus (USB)
connected memory units, magnetic storage, optical storage,
magneto-optical storage, etc. or any combination thereof, for
example. The memory device may be operable to store memory as
volatile memory, non-volatile memory, dynamic memory, etc. or any
combination thereof.
In various example embodiments, a plurality of the components of
the image capture device may be implemented together within a
system on a chip (SOC). For example, the processor, the memory
device and the network interface may be implemented within a SOC.
Furthermore, when implemented in this way, both a general purpose
processor and DSP may be implemented together within the SOC.
The camera device 10 includes at least one camera module 16 (for
convenience of illustration only one is shown in the illustrated
example embodiment) that is operable to capture a plurality of
images and produce image data representing the plurality of
captured images. The camera module 16 generally refers to the
combination of hardware and software sub-modules that operate
together to capture the plurality of images of a scene. Such
sub-modules may include an optical unit (e.g. camera lens) and an
image sensor. In the case of a digital camera module, the image
sensor may be a CMOS, NMOS, or CCD type image sensor.
The lens and sensor combination defines a field of view. When
positioned at a given location and according to a given
orientation, the camera module 16 is operable to capture the
real-life scene falling within the field of view of the camera and
to generate image data of the captured scene.
The camera module 16 may perform some processing of captured raw
image data, such as compressing or encoding the raw image data.
The camera device 10 may optionally include a video analytics
module 24. The video analytics module 24 receives image data from
the camera module 16 and analyzes the image data to determine
properties or characteristics of the captured image or video and/or
of objects found in a scene represented by the image or video.
Based on the determinations made, the video analytics module 24 may
further output metadata providing information about the
determinations. Examples of determinations made by the video
analytics module 24 may include one or more of
foreground/background segmentation, object detection, object
tracking, object classification, virtual tripwire, anomaly
detection, facial detection, facial recognition, license plate
recognition, identifying objects "left behind", monitoring objects
(i.e. to protect from stealing), and business intelligence.
However, it will be understood that other video analytics functions
known in the art may also be implemented by the video analytics
module 24.
The camera device 10 may optionally include a video management
module 32. The video management module 32 receives image data and
performs processing functions on the image data related to video
transmission, playback and/or storage. For example, the video
management module 32 can process the image data to permit
transmission of the image data according to bandwidth requirements
and/or capacity. The video management module 32 may also process
the image data according to playback capabilities of a client
device that will be playing back the video, such as processing
power and/or resolution of the display of the client device. The
video management 32 may also process the image data according to
storage capacity in the camera device 10 or in other devices
connected to the camera device 10 over a network.
The camera device 10 may optionally include a set 40 of storage
modules. For example, and as illustrated, the set 40 of storage
modules include a video storage module 48 and a metadata storage
module 56. The video storage module 48 stores image data, which may
be image data processed by the video management module 32. The
metadata storage module 56 stores information data outputted from
the video analytics module 24.
It will be understood that while video storage module 48 and
metadata storage module 56 are illustrated as separate modules,
they may be implemented within a same hardware storage device
whereby logical rules are implemented to separate stored video from
stored metadata. In other example embodiments, the video storage
module 48 and/or the metadata storage module 56 may be implemented
within a plurality of hardware storage devices in which a
distributed storage scheme may be implemented.
The storage modules 48, 56 provide non-transitory storage of image
data and/or metadata. In other example embodiments wherein storage
modules 48, 56 are not provided, image data generated by the camera
module 16 and metadata generated by the video analytics module 24
may be immediately transmitted to an external device over a
network.
The camera device 10 includes a networking module 64 operable for
providing data communication with another device over a network 72.
The network 72 may be a local area network, an external network
(e.g. WAN, Internet) or a combination thereof. In other examples,
the network 72 may include a cloud network.
The camera device 10 further includes a transceiver 80 operable for
communicating wirelessly with another device. The wireless
communication may be provided according to any protocol known in
the art, such as Bluetooth.TM., Wi-Fi.TM., ZigBee.TM. or cellular
communication protocols.
In some examples, the transceiver 80 is a short-range, low-power
transceiver. A short-range, low-power transceiver may be useful for
reducing power consumption of the external device with which the
camera device 10 is communicating. For example, the transceiver 80
that is short-range may have a communication range of less than
about 10 m. For example, the transceiver 80 that is low-power may
have a power consumption of less than about 0.5 Watts. A
short-range, low-power transceiver may implement a low-energy
Bluetooth.TM. or low-energy Wi-Fi.TM. protocol known in the
art.
The camera device 10 further includes a wireless power transmitter
88 that is operable for transmitting power wirelessly to an
external electrical load. The external electrical load may be an
energy storage device, such as at least one battery or capacitor.
For example, power may be transferred by magnetic fields in which
one or more coils of wires in the wireless power transmitter 88 is
coupled by magnetic induction with a cooperating coil in the
external device that is being powered by the wireless power. The
inductive coupling between the wireless power transmitter 88 and a
cooperating device receiving the power may be resonant inductive
coupling or electrodynamic induction. It will be understood that
the wireless power transmission is not limited to non-radiative
techniques. In some examples, longer range techniques may be used,
such as power beaming based on microwaves or lasers.
The camera device 10 further includes a power supply 96 operable
for supplying electrical power to the hardware components of the
camera device 10, such as those implementing the camera module 16,
transceiver 80, networking module 64 and wireless power transmitter
88.
In some examples, the power supply 96 receives electrical power
from a power source over a wired connection. The power source may
be mains electricity (ex: 110V/220V AC), which may be converted to
a supply suitable for the camera device 10 (ex: converting to DC,
rectifying to a lower voltage). In some alternative examples, the
power source may be an intermediate device that supplies power in
addition to performing another function, such as processing or
networking. In yet further alternative examples, the power supply
may be supplying power in a sustainable manner based on, for
instance, solar power technology or power received wirelessly from
another device in communication with the camera device 10.
In one example embodiment, power may be supplied to the power
supply 96 over a connection that is also providing data
communication. For example, power may be supplied to the power
supply 96 by power over ethernet (POE), wherein the cable connected
to the networking module 64 for network data communication is also
used for supplying power to the power supply. As illustrated, the
same cable 104 that is connected to the network (e.g. connected to
a network switch or router) is also connected to the power supply
96.
The camera device 10 may further include a power management module
112 that is operable for managing the supply of power from the
power supply 96 to various hardware components of the camera device
10. The power management module 112 may manage the power being
consumed by the wireless power transmitter 88 separately from
management of power being consumed by other components of the
camera device 10. The power management module 112 may further
control the priority of providing power to various modules of the
camera device 10. This prioritization in the case of high power
demand from various modules, which may otherwise cause system
overload.
For example, a wireless power transmitter power management
submodule may control the power level of the wireless power
transmitted from the wireless power transmitter 88. The power level
may be varied according to characteristics of an external device
receiving the wireless power. Such characteristics may include one
or more of the distance of the external device from the camera
device 10, the average power requirement of the external device,
the instantaneous power requirement of the external device, and the
current battery status of the external device.
The power level may also be varied according to environmental
factors, such as time of day, location, and number of proximately
located devices. For example, where the camera device 10 is used to
for charging the external device, the wireless power transmitter
power management submodule may choose to transmit wireless power
for charging during off-peak hours.
The power level may also be varied according to power load
requirements from other components of the camera device 10. For
example, during periods when other components of the camera device
10 experience heavy load, the power management module 112 may
supply less or no power to the wireless power transmitter. These
periods may occur when the camera device 10 has to handle a large
amounts of data, such as transferring or backing up data stored
within the storage module 40.
The example camera device 10 is suitable for use in conjunction
with an external device that requires data communication with
another device over a network and that would benefit from receiving
wirelessly transmitted power. The camera device 10 can provide
network connectivity to the external device via data communication
provided between the wireless transceiver 80 of the camera device
10 and a corresponding wireless transceiver of the external device.
The network connectivity is further provided through the connection
of the networking module 64 of the camera device 10 with the
network 72. Accordingly, the external device may be in
communication another network node connected to the network 72 only
via the camera device 10 and without requiring some form of wired
and/or wireless connection from the external device to the network
72.
The camera device 10 can further provide a continued power source
for the external device via wireless power transmitter 88
transmitting power to the external device. The external device may
be battery-operated and the power transmitted wirelessly from the
camera device 10 may be used to charge at least one battery of the
external device. Accordingly, the external device may operate
without having to receive power over a wired power cable.
Furthermore, even where the external device may be fully
battery-operated, the providing of wireless power from the camera
device 10 to the external device to charge the battery of the
external device may eliminate, or reduce the frequency, of having
to change the battery.
In some example embodiments, the power output from the wireless
power transmitter 88 may be variably controlled. For example, the
level of power output may be adjusted according to the power
consumption of the external device receiving the wirelessly
transmitted power. The level of power out may also be adjusted
based on one or more parameters of the deployment of the camera
device 10 with the external device, such as the distance
therebetween. The power output from the wireless power transmitter
88 may be adjusted so that the level of wireless power received at
the external device corresponds with a power requirement of the
external device, such as an average power requirement of the
external device. The power output may also be adjusted based on a
change in power requirement of the external device. However, the
power output from the wireless power transmitter 88 may be
throttled by the power management module 112 to ensure continued
proper functioning of the camera device 10. In some example
embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 88 may implement
trickle charging or slow charging of the external device.
In some example embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 88 may
be chosen to provide at least 3 watts power to a power-receiving
external device located at a distance of at most 10 meters from the
camera device 10. For example, such a power output would
effectively charge a depth sensor or typical PIR motion sensor.
In other example embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 88 may
be chosen to provide substantially less power, such as about 0.2 mW
of power at a distance of at most 10 meters from the camera device
10. This level of power output is suitable for external devices
that are typically on standby, such as a smoke alarm.
Referring now to FIG. 2, therein illustrated is a block diagram of
a combined system 200 according to one example embodiment having a
camera device 10 and a sensing device 208.
The sensing device 208 includes a sensor 216 for sensing a
condition. In some example embodiments, the sensor 216 may be any
one of an environmental sensor for sensing an environmental
condition in proximity of the sensing device. For example, the
sensor 216 may be one of a thermometer, humidity sensor, air
quality sensor, smoke detector, pressure sensor, microphone, water
leak sensor, geiger counter, and seismic vibration sensor.
In some example, the sensor 216 may be operable to sense a
security-related condition. In one example, the sensor 216 may be a
smoke detector for detecting the presence of smoke or fire. In
another example, the sensor 216 may be an occupancy sensor (e.g.
passive infra-red) for detecting the presence of an object. In yet
another example, the sensor 216 may be an intrusion sensor (e.g.
magnetic reed switches) for detecting intrusion into an area. Other
examples of sensors 216 for sensing a security-related condition
may include one or more of a door open sensor, gunshot detector,
glass break sensor, motion sensor, smoke alarm and car alarm.
The sensor 216 generates sensed data that contains information
pertaining to the sensed condition.
The sensing device 208 may include a storage module 224. The
storage module 224 may be operatively connected with the sensor 216
to receive sensed data and store the sensed data. The storage 224
may also store one or more sensing rules. The sensor 216 may
implement sensing of the condition differently based on applicable
sensing rules. For example, the rules may cause the sensor 216 to
cease sensing during given periods of the day and carry out sensing
at other periods of the day.
The sensing device 208 includes a transceiver 232 operable for
providing data communication with the camera device 10 via the
transceiver 80. The transceiver 232 of the sensing device 208 may
implement a wireless communication protocol that is compatible with
the communication protocol implemented by the transceiver 80 of the
camera device 10. For example, the transceiver 232 may also be a
short-range, low-power transceiver.
Sensed data generated by the sensor 216 can be transmitted from the
sensing device 208 using its transceiver 232 and received at the
camera device 10 using its transceiver 80. The sensed data may be
further transmitted to external network device 264 from the camera
device 10 over the network 72.
The sensing device 208 may further receive commands from the camera
device 10. The commands may have been initially transmitted from
the external network device 264 to the camera device 10 via the
network 72 and the networking module 210 of the camera 10. For
example, the commands may be for controlling the sensing device
208, such as commands for changing sensing rules applied to the
sensing device 208.
The sensing device 208 further includes a wireless power receiver
240 that is operable for receiving power transmitted wirelessly
from the wireless power transmitter 88 of the camera device 10. The
wireless power receiver 240 is configured to be compatible with the
wireless power transmitter 88 of the camera device 10. For example,
the wireless power receiver 240 includes one or more coil of wires
in which a flow of electrical current is induced by the wireless
power transmitted from the camera device 10.
The sensing device 208 may further include at least one battery 248
or other suitable form of power storage device for supplying power
to one or more components of the sensing device 208. The at least
one battery 248 may supply power to the sensor 216, and the
transceiver 232. The at least one battery 248 is rechargeable using
power transmitted wirelessly from the camera device 10 and received
by the wireless power receiver 240.
The sensing device 208 may further include a battery management
module 256. The battery management module 256 operates to manage
charging of the at least one battery 248 using the power received
by the wireless power receiver 240.
In one example embodiment, the battery management module 256 may
sense the charge level of the at least one battery 248 and
implements charging of the battery 248 when the charge level falls
below a predetermined level.
In another example embodiment, the battery management module 256
may implement charging of the battery 248 any time wireless power
is available from the wireless power receiver 240. The battery
management module 256 may be further operable to implement trickle
charging or slow charging of the battery 248.
In yet another example embodiment, the battery management module
256 may be further operable to sense the battery charge level and
to communicate the charge level to the camera device 10 using the
wireless transceiver 232. The camera device 10 may be configured to
transmit wireless power only when it receives an indication that
the charge level of the at least one battery 248 of the sensing
device 208 has fallen below a predetermined level. Additionally, or
alternatively, the battery management module 256 may transmit,
using the wireless transceiver 232, a request to the camera device
10 to begin wireless transmission of power to the sensing device so
that the power can be used for charging the at least one
battery.
Continuing with FIG. 2, the camera device 10 is operable to
transmit over the network 72 image data and sensed data received
from the sensing device 208. Accordingly, the camera device 10 acts
as a gateway to the network 72 for the sensing device 208. The
camera device 10 may transmit the image data and the sensed data to
their respective destinations over the network 72.
In various example embodiments, the camera device 10 may be
configured to transmit image data and the sensed data received from
the sensing device 208 to the same destination networked device 264
over the network 72. For example, the destination networked device
264 may be a server that processes or manages the image data and/or
the sensed data. When being transmitted to the same destination
networked device, image data that is captured by the camera module
16 at a given time is logically associated with sensed data
pertaining to one or more conditions sensed by the sensor 216 at
the same time. "Logically associated" herein refers to an
association in which knowledge of the relevant image data allows
retrieval of its logically associated sensed data and vice versa.
For example, the image data and its corresponding data may both
include a time stamp, which provides the logical association.
According to various example embodiments wherein the camera device
10 is used in a video surveillance application to visually monitor
an area or asset, the condition sensed by the sensing device 208
may provide information about the area or asset, which may provide
enhanced monitoring. For example, the sensed condition may be used
to confirm or provide further information regarding an event that
is captured by the camera device 10. This information may be also
be used to confirm or improve certainty of a determination made by
the video analytics module 24.
In some example embodiments, the video analytics module 24 may
determine properties or characteristics of the captured image or
video and/or of objects found in the scene represented by the image
or video based on a combination of analysis of the image data and
one or more relevant conditions sensed by the sensing device 208.
Relevant conditions sensed by the sensing device 208 may be
conditions sensed during a time period corresponding to the time
period of the image data being analyzed.
According to various example applications, the sensing device 208
is located in proximity of the camera device 10, such as within the
same physical area. For example, the sensing device 208 may be
located such that conditions sensed by the sensing device 208 are
relevant to the image data captured by the camera device 10.
Accordingly, the sensed data may serve to enhance the monitoring
performed using the camera device 10. It will be appreciated that
the proximity of the camera device 10 with the sensing device 208
allows for effective wireless transmission of power from camera
device 10 to the sensing device 208 and for effective wireless data
communication between the camera device 10 and the sensing device
208. This allows the sensing device 208 to operate fully wirelessly
(i.e. without requiring a wired connection for data communication
with an external device and for receiving power). It will be
further appreciated that even in other examples where the sensing
device 208 generates sensed data that is not pertinent to the image
data captured by the camera device 10, the interaction between the
camera device 10 and the sensing device 10 allows the sensing
device 208 to operate fully wirelessly.
Referring now to FIG. 3, therein illustrated is a block diagram of
a combined video surveillance and access control system 300
according to one example embodiment. It will be understood that the
combined video surveillance and access control system 300 is an
example of the combined system 200 in which the sensing device 208
is an access control device 308.
Access control herein refers to management of physical access to a
protected asset. In one example, the protected asset may be an
access point (e.g. door, gate) to a physical area (e.g. building,
room). Accordingly, the access control device 308 controls allowing
or disallowing access to the physical area, such as by selectively
locking or unlocking a door or gate.
In another example, the protected asset may be a locked item, such
as a safe, vehicle, or computer with physical security device.
Accordingly, the access control device 308 controls permitting
access to contents of the locked item, such as by selectively
locking or unlocking a safe door, car door, or allowing access to
the computer.
Continuing with FIG. 3, the access control device 308 includes a
token reader 316, which acts as the sensor of the access control
device 308. The token reader 316 is operable to sense the
occurrence of the presence of a machine readable physical token and
to read an identifier of the physical token. The identifier may be
a feature of the physical token or a code stored on the physical
token that identifies the physical token. The identifier of a
physical token may uniquely identify that physical token.
In one example, the physical token may be a discrete portable
object, such as a RFID card or fob, RFID-enabled device, magnetic
card, etc. The discrete portable object may have stored thereon an
identification code that identifies the object. The discrete
portable object may be carried by a person and presented to the
access control device 308 for identifying that person. The token
reader 316 of the access control device 308 detects when the
discrete portable object is presented by the person, which results
in the sensing of an occurrence of a presence of the physical
token. The token reader 316 of the access control device 308
further reads the identification code stored on the discrete
portable object.
In another example, the physical token may be a biometric token of
a person. Accordingly, features of biometric token also acts as the
identifier. The biometric token may be one of a face, palm print,
fingerprint, hand geometry, iris, voice, etc. The token reader 316
of the access control device 308 detects when the person presents
their relevant biometric token to the token reader 316, which
results in the sensing of an occurrence of a presence of the
physical token. The token reader 316 further recognizes properties
of the biometric feature, which acts as the identifier of that
biometric token and of the person to whom the biometric token
belongs.
The access control device 308 further includes a token verification
module 324. The token verification module 324 verifies whether an
identity associated with the identifier of a physical token has
been granted access to the asset being protected. If the identity
has been authenticated, the access control device 308 acts to grant
access. If the identity has not been authenticated, the access
control device 308 acts to deny access.
For example, and as illustrated, the access control device 308
includes a storage device 224 in which are stored access
credentials 352. The stored access credentials may include user
identities each corresponding to a real-world users. The stored
access credentials may further include token identifiers. A user
identity may be associated to one or more token identifiers. The
stored access credentials may further include access rules. Each
token identifier and/or user identity may be further associated to
a set of access rules. The access rules define the parameters by
which a token identifier or a user identity is granted access to a
given asset. For example, the access rules may define the time
periods during which a particular token identifier or user identity
is granted access to a particular asset.
The token verification module 324 receives the identifier read by
the token reader 316 from a physical token that is presented and
verifies whether the access rules associated to that identifier or
the user identity associated to that identifier grants access to
that identifier. The identity associated to the identifier is
authenticated if the associated rules grant access. The identity
associated to the identifier is not authenticated if the token
verification module 324 fails to find rules that grant access to
the particular identifier.
The access control device 308 further includes a lock controller
340, which is operable to selectively control actuation of a lock
between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state,
the lock prevents access to the protected asset. In the unlocked
state, the lock is in a position where access to the protected
asset is granted. For example, the lock is a physical lock that
physically blocks or grants access to the protected asset.
The lock controller 340 may receive an authenticated signal from
the token verification module 324 each time that a token identifier
read by the token reader is authenticated. In response to receiving
an authentication signal, the lock controller 340 controls a lock
actuator 348 to actuate a physical lock (not illustrated) to an
unlocked position. After the lock is actuated to the unlocked
position, the lock actuator 348 may further control the lock
actuator 348 to further actuate the physical lock to the locked
position after some time has passed or an event has occurred (ex:
the access door being closed.)
In the illustrated example, the lock actuator 348 is integrated in
the access control device 308. The lock controller 340 and the lock
actuator 348 may be combined into an integrated component.
In other examples, the lock actuator 348 may be external to the
access control device 308. This configuration may be useful because
the access control device 308 may then be used with a variety of
different locks and their corresponding lock actuator 348 by
sending an appropriate control signal (lock/unlock) from the lock
controller 340 of the access control device 308 to the external
lock actuator 348.
Continuing with FIG. 3, token reader 316 and the token verification
module 324 may operate together to generated access data pertaining
to presence of physical token and identifier of the physical token
read by the token reader 316 and the verification of token
identifier by the 324. The access data may be stored as stored
access data 356 within the storage device 224.
The access control device 308 includes the wireless transceiver 232
that is operable for providing data communication with the camera
device 10 via the transceiver 80. Access data generated by the
token reader 316 and the token verification module 324 may be
transmitted via the wireless power transceiver 232 to the camera
device 10. The camera device 10 may also transmit to the access
device 308, from wireless transceiver 80 to wireless transceiver
232, commands for configuring the access control device 308. For
example, the commands may include one or more updates to the access
rules applied for authenticating by the token verification module
324 token identifiers read by the token reader 316. The one or more
updates may include addition or removal of user identities and/or
token identifiers that are granted access to the protected asset or
changes to access rules associated to one or more user identities
and/or token identifiers.
The access device 208 also includes a wireless power receiver 240,
at least one battery 248 and a battery management module 256. The
description provided elsewhere herein regarding the wireless power
receiver 240, at least one battery 248 and battery management
module 256 of the sensing device 208 is also applicable to the
wireless power receiver 240, at least one battery 248 and battery
management module 256 of the access control device 308.
The camera device 10 is operable to transmit over the network 72
image data generated by the video capture module 208 and access
data received from the access control device 308. Accordingly, the
camera device 10 acts as a gateway to the network 72 for the access
control device 308. The camera device 10 may transmit the image
data and the access data to their respective destinations over the
network 72.
In various example embodiments, the camera device 10 may be
configured to transmit image data and the access data received from
the access control device 208 to the same destination networked
device 264 over the network 72. For example, the destination
networked device 264 may be a server that processes or manages the
image data and/or the access data. When being transmitted to the
same destination networked device, image data that is captured by
the camera module 16 at a given time is logically associated with
access data generated at the same time. For example, the image data
and its corresponding access data may both include a time stamp,
which provides the logical association.
According to various example embodiments, the camera device 10 may
be used in a video surveillance application to visually monitor an
area or asset and the access control device 308 may be used in an
access control application to grant, track and monitor access of
users to protected assets. In these examples, the access data from
the access control device 308 may be used to enhance the
surveillance application. For example, where the camera device 10
detects a person in a monitored area, access data from a nearby
access control device 308 may be analyzed to determine the physical
token used by that person to enter the monitored area. Conversely,
where the access control device 308 reads a physical token that is
assigned to a particular person, image data from the camera device
10 may be analyzed to verify whether the person using the physical
token is actually the assigned person or whether it is being used
by someone else that may be an intruder. In some examples, the
video surveillance application and the access control management
application may be combined and both the image data and access data
are used together. For example, the destination network device 264
may perform at least part of the combined application.
In some example embodiments, the video analytics module 24 may
determine properties or characteristics of the captured image or
video and/or objects found in the scene based on a combination of
analysis of image data and access data received from the access
control device 308. Relevant access data may be data generated
during a time period corresponding to the time period of the image
data being analyzed. For example, the access data may be used to
confirm or improve certainty of a determination made by the video
analytics module 24.
According to various example applications, the camera device 10 and
the access control device 308 are deployed together such that the
protected asset to which access is being controlled by the access
control device 308 is located within scene being captured within
the field of view of a given camera device 10. Accordingly, the
access data may serve to enhance the monitoring performed by the
camera device 10. Conversely, image data generated by the camera
device 10 may serve to enhance access control being performed by
the access control device 308.
It was observed that a camera device 10 and an access control
device 308 are often deployed in proximity of one another. It was
further observed that the power requirements of an access control
device 308 are sufficiently low that it can be battery powered.
Furthermore, the amount of data that need to be processed by the
access control device 308 are significantly lowered than the
processing carried out by the camera device 10, thereby making the
power requirements of the access control device 308 to be
significantly lower than the power requirements of the camera
device 10. The proximity of the camera device 10 with the access
control device 308 and the lower power requirements of the access
control device 308 allow for the access control device 308 to be
effectively powered by the power received wirelessly from the
camera device 10.
It was further observed that the amount of access data generated by
the access control device 308 is significantly low to allow it to
be transmitted wirelessly to another device. For example, the
amount of access data is significantly lower than the amount image
data generated by the camera device 10. The low amount of access
data allows for effective wireless data communication between the
camera device 10 and the access control device 308. The low amount
of access data may also allow a low-power, short range
communication protocol to be used while ensuring effective
communication between the camera device 10 and the access control
device 308. Accordingly, the access control device 308 may operate
fully wirelessly (i.e. without requiring a wired connection for
data communication with an external device and for receiving
power).
The access control device 308 may have a form factor that is
similar to existing access control devices. For example, the access
control device 308 may have the form of a door reader/controller
that is placed in proximity of a doorway. Alternatively, the access
control device 308 may have the form of a wireless lock that is
attached directly to a door.
Referring now to FIG. 4A, therein illustrated is a block diagram of
a camera device 10' according to an alternative example embodiment.
The alternative camera device 10' includes the same operational
module as the camera device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the
description provided herein regarding these modules are also
applicable to the alternative camera device 10'. The alternative
camera device 10' is different in that it includes a plurality
wireless power transmitters 88. In the illustrated example, the
alternative camera device 10' includes n wireless power
transmitters 88. Power supplied to each of the plurality of power
transmitters 88 may be controlled by the power management module
112.
The plurality of power transmitters may each be used to power
different sets of one or more sensing devices 208 and/or access
control devices 308. For example, the sensing devices 208 and/or
access control devices 308 may be sparsely located such that a
single power transmitter 88 cannot effectively provide power to all
of the sensing devices 208. The wireless transceiver 80 of the
alternative camera device 10' may be used for simultaneous data
communication with a plurality of sensing devices 208 and/or access
control devices 308 to which the alternative camera device 10' is
transmitting power. For example, an appropriate multiplexing scheme
may be used to maintain data communication with each of the
plurality of sensing devices and/or access control devices 308.
In one example embodiment, at least one of the wireless power
transmitters 88 of the alternative camera device 10' is pivotable
so as to change an orientation of the wireless power transmitters
88. For example, a wireless power transmitter 88 may be pivoted to
be sufficiently aligned with an external sensing device 208 or
access control device 308 so as to effectively transmit power to
that external device.
Referring now to FIG. 4B, there illustrated is a schematic diagram
of an example deployment 380 of an alternative camera device 10'
according to one example embodiment. An example alternative camera
device 10' having a circular form factor is provided. The example
alternative camera device 10' is a multi-transmitter camera and
includes three wireless power transmitters 88. Three sensing
devices 208 (or access control devices 308) are located around the
camera device 10'. Each of the wireless power transmitters 88 are
aligned with the location of a sensing device 208 so as to provide
wireless power to that sensing device 208.
According to various example embodiments, one or more of the
wireless power transmitters 88 are angularly pivotable so as to be
radially aligned with the location of a sensing device 208.
Referring now to FIG. 5, therein illustrated is a block diagram of
connected devices of a combined video surveillance and access
control system 400 according to one example embodiment.
The combined system 400 includes at least one camera device. In the
example illustrated FIG. 4, a first camera device 10a, a second
camera device 10b, and a third camera device 10c are each connected
to the network 72. Image data and/or metadata generated by the
camera devices 10a, 10b, and 10c are transmitted to other
network-connected devices over the network 72.
In the illustrated example, the third camera device 10c is
connected to the network 72 through a processing appliance 404. The
processing appliance 404 is operable to process the image data
outputted by the third camera device 10c. The processing appliance
404 includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices
coupled to the processor. The processing appliance 404 may also
include one or more network interfaces.
The first camera device 10a is in data communication with a first
sensing device 208a using their respective wireless transceivers
80, 232. Sensed data generated by the sensing device 208a is
transmitted over the network 72 via the first camera device 10a.
The first camera device 10a further transmits power wirelessly from
its wireless power transmitter 88. The transmitted power is
received at the sensing device 240 of the first sensing device
208a, which may be used to charge its one or more batteries or
energy storage devices.
The second camera device 10b is in data communication with a first
access control device 308a and a second sensing device 208b. It
will be understood that although two antennas are illustrated, a
single wireless transceiver 80 in the second camera device 10b may
be simultaneously in data communication with the first access
control device 308a and the second sensing device 20b. For example,
any appropriate multiplexing scheme may be used to maintain data
communication with the access control device 308a and the second
sensing device 20b. Access data generated by the first access
control device 308a and sensed data generated by the second sensing
device 208b is transmitted over the network 72 via the second
camera device 10b.
In one example embodiment, a single wireless power transmitter
transmits power wirelessly to both the first access control device
308a and the second sensing device 208b.
In another example embodiment, the second camera device 10b is
multi-transmitter device, as described herein with reference to
FIG. 4A, and includes a first wireless power transmitter 88a and a
second wireless power transmitter 88b. The first wireless power
transmitter 88a is configured to transmit wireless power to be
received by the first access control device and the second wireless
power transmitter 88b is configured to transmit wireless power to
be received by the second access control device 208b.
The third camera device 10c is not transmitting wireless power. The
third camera device 10c may be a standard IP camera that does not
have wireless power transmission capabilities.
The system 400 may further includes a second access control device
308b, which is in direct connection with the network 72. For
example, the second access control device 308b may be connected to
the network 72 using a standard network connection, such as
ethernet. Similarly, the system 400 may further include a third
sensing device 208c which is in direct connection with the network
72.
The combined system 400 includes at least one workstation 408 (e.g.
server), each having one or more processors. The at least one
workstation 408 may also include storage memory. The workstation
408 receives image data from at least one camera device 10 and
performs processing of the image data. The workstation 408 may
further send commands for managing and/or controlling one or more
of the camera devices 10. The workstation 408 may receive raw image
data from the camera device 10. Alternatively, or additionally, the
workstation 408 may receive image data that has already undergone
some intermediate processing, such as processing at the camera
device 10 and/or at a processing appliance 404. The workstation 408
may also receive metadata from the image data and perform further
processing of the image data.
The workstation 408 may also perform management of the one or more
access control devices 308. For example, the workstation 408 may
collect access data from a plurality of access control devices 308
and monitor use of physical token to gain access to a plurality of
protected assets. The workstation 408 may also manage access rules
for a plurality of user identities and token identifiers.
According to some example embodiments, the workstation 408 may
perform video surveillance and access control management in
combination.
The video capture and playback system 400 further includes at least
one client device 164 connected to the network 72. The client
device 164 is used by one or more users to interact with the
combined system 400. Accordingly, the client device 164 includes at
least one display device and at least one user input device (for
example, mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, joy stick, microphone,
gesture recognition device, etc.). The client device 164 is
operable to display on its display device a user interface for
displaying information, receiving user input, and playing back
image. The client device 164 may also be operable to display access
control information and receive user input for changing access
rules. For example, the client device may be any one of a personal
computer, laptops, tablet, personal data assistant (PDA), cell
phone, smart phone, gaming device, and other mobile and/or wearable
devices.
Referring back to FIG. 2, the wireless power transmitter 88
transmits wireless power over an effective powered space. The
effective powered space refers to the space in which a wireless
power receiver 240 may be located and effectively receive the
wirelessly transmitted power. A wireless power receiver 240 may be
considered to be effectively receiving wireless power if the power
at the receiver 240 exceeds a predetermined power threshold.
Alternatively, a wireless power receiver 240 may be considered to
be effectively receiving wireless power if the power at the
receiver 240 induces a current in the receiver 240 that exceeds a
predetermined current threshold.
According to various example embodiments, the field of view of the
camera device 10 substantially overlaps with the effectively
powered space of the wireless power transmitter 88. The field of
view of the camera device 10 may be fully encompassed within the
effectively powered space of wireless power transmitter 88. The
field of view of the camera device 10 may be fully encompassed in
that the effectively powered space occupies a larger space than the
field of view. However, it will be understood that the field of
view of the camera device 10 may extend past the outer limit of the
effectively powered space based on a distance from the camera
device 10.
By ensuring that the field of view of the camera device 10 is fully
encompassed within the effectively powered space of the wireless
power transmitter 88, any object that falls within the field of
view will also be within effectively powered space of the wireless
power transmitter 88 and can receive wireless power therefrom (so
long as the distance of the object does not exceed the outer limit
of the operational space). This may facilitate installation of a
sensed device 208 or access control device 308 in that the
installer only needs to place the sensed device 208 or access
control device 308 within the field of view of the camera device 10
to ensure that the device 208 or 308 will be properly receiving
wireless power from the camera device.
According to various example embodiments wherein the optical unit
of the camera device 10 is pivotable to change the field of view of
the camera device 10, the wireless power transmitter 88 is
configured to maintain the overlap of the field of view with the
operational space. The wireless power transmitter 88 may be
configured to maintain the field of view being fully encompassed
with the effectively powered space over the range of pivotable
motion of the optical unit of the camera. Examples of cameras with
a pivotable optical unit include a dome camera and a pan-tilt-zoom
camera.
In one example embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 88
transmits power directionally. Accordingly, the operational space
of the wireless power transmitter is defined by an effective power
coverage cone. The wireless power transmitter 88 and the optical
unit of the camera module 16 may be substantially aligned so that
the field of view of the camera device 10 overlaps with the power
coverage cone. The alignment may be such that the field of view of
the camera device is fully encompassed within the power coverage
cone.
Referring now to FIG. 6, therein illustrated is a schematic diagram
of an example deployment 500 of a camera device 10 and an access
control device 308. The camera device 10 has a field of view 508,
which may be substantially conical. In the illustrated example, the
field of view 508 is defined by its upper boundary 512 and lower
boundary 516. The wireless power transmitter 88 transmits power
directionally over a power coverage cone 520 that is defined by its
upper boundary 524, lower boundary 528 and outer limit 532. It will
be appreciated that the field of view 508 is fully encompassed
within the power coverage cone 520 (but for a space close to the
optical unit of the camera device 10 and a space outside of the
outer limit 532).
The camera device 10 is oriented so as to capture a doorway 530,
which is the protected asset. The access control device 308 is
located proximate to the doorway 530 and controls the locking and
unlocking of the door of the doorway 530. The access control device
308 is located within the field of view 508 of the camera and
within the outer limit 532. Since the field of view 508 is fully
encompassed within the power coverage cone 520, the access control
device 308 is located within the operational space of the wireless
power transmitter 88 of the camera device 10 and can receive power
therefrom.
While the above description provides examples of the embodiments,
it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the
described embodiments are susceptible to modification without
departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the
described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above
has been intended to be illustrated non-limiting and it will be
understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
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